Planning for 2013 AFP Charlotte programs began in October with a member survey on location, topics, speakers and other details of monthly programs.  Highlights included:

• 78% of respondents expressed an interest in programs targeting support staff, i.e. database managers, volunteer managers, etc.
• 44% ranked Major Gifts as their most desired topics with Donor Stewardship, following as a close second
• 70% indicated interest in programs targeting board members and more than 80% indicated in interested in programs targeting executive directors or CEOs.

The survey was offered to members only, with 27 members, or more than 10% of chapter member responding.  Thirty percent of members responding reported they have been a professional fundraiser for five to ten years.

A group of interested members gathered late last month to review the survey and begin planning 2013 programs.  Based on survey feedback and discussion among the brainstorming groups:

• Final strategies for 2013 programming will be presented to the chapter board at its November planning retreat.
• We are currently negotiating with Harris Conference Center as our location for spring programs.  Program location for the remainder of the year will be decided in early 2013 based on attendance and member feedback on Harris Conference Center.
• Building on the success of our recent program co-presented with Leave A Legacy and NC Planned Giving Council, conversation are underway for co-presented programs with the Association of Philanthropic Counsel and the International Association of Business Communicators.

If you didn't have a chance to respond to the survey, and would like to suggest specific topics or speakers for future AFP Charlotte meetings, contact Michelle Hamilton.

What better way to target non-profit professionals than to become a sponsor of AFP? The Association of Fundraising Professionals or AFP Charlotte Chapter advances philanthropy by enabling people and organizations to practice ethical and effective fundraising. The core activities through which AFP fulfills this mission include education, training, mentoring, research, credentialing and advocacy. Our Chapter has 250 members from a diverse group of nonprofit organizations and provides monthly educational programs for fundraising and nonprofit professionals. The Association also hosts an employment referral service, provides access to AFP International resources, hosts a statewide conference and hosts the National Philanthropy Day luncheon every fall.

Sponsor benefits can be tailored to your company's specific needs and areas of focus and can include access to hundreds of non-profit professionals, supporters of non-profits organizations and business professionals in and around the Charlotte area. Click for more information on becoming a sponsor of the Charlotte Chapter of AFP.